Promotes new opportunities for American companies in order to support U.S. jobs

BALI, Indonesia – Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez today launched the Ease of Doing Business Symposium: Improving the Business Climate and Reforming Business Regulation in Indonesia in Bali today.

The Symposium, done in partnership with the World Bank, included representatives from Hong Kong, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia who shared their experiences and best practices concerning government efforts in improving business climates. The Symposium is the inaugural event of U.S.-Indonesia Commercial Dialogue (USICD) that was announced in November. The U.S. engages in very few Commercial Dialogues, one with Brazil and another with India. The establishment of the USICD is therefore representative of the importance the Obama Administration places on this relationship.

“We are here today to help clear the path to opportunity so that citizens and businesses in both the U.S. and Indonesia can flourish,” Sánchez said. “The U.S.-Indonesia Commercial Dialogue is a critical platform for leaders of our two countries to establish a joint framework for commercial exchanges, business practices, and cultural understanding.”

Sánchez also presented Putera Sampoerna, head of the Putera Sampoerna Foundation (PSF), with the International Trade Administration’s prestigious Peace through Commerce Award. The Award recognizes an individual, group, or organization – at home or abroad – whose actions have significantly promoted and developed U.S. export initiatives, encouraged innovative approaches, and improved overall U.S. trade.

Sampoerna was selected because of his efforts in promoting and developing U.S. export initiatives. Through PSF, he has dramatically increased the number of Indonesians studying in the U.S. by providing scholarships, college counseling, and fostering partnerships and exchanges between U.S. and Indonesian institutions.

Sánchez said, “Mr. Sampoerna’s vision to encourage Indonesia’s future leaders to study overseas – and primarily in the U.S. – not only helps Indonesia, but also strengthens the relationship between our two countries. The Foundation is a model in teaching the world’s students how to overcome cultural barriers, foster new opportunities, and be leaders in a global society.”

Indonesia is an important trading partner for the U.S. and is one of six priority “Next-Tier Markets” within the National Export Initiative launched by President Obama, which is on track to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014. As one of the fastest growing G-20 economies, Indonesia plays an important role in fueling demand for U.S. goods and services now and into the future.

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International Trade Administration

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